Responsible Gaming

Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income

Online poker should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only. It is never a reliable way to make money or solve financial problems. Please gamble only with money you can afford to lose, and remember that the house always has an edge in the long term.

Treat any winnings as a bonus, not as expected income. Set a budget for entertainment purposes and stick to it.

Age Verification

You must be 18 years of age or older to play online poker in Australia. It is illegal for anyone under the legal age to participate in gambling activities.

All operators are required to verify your age and identity before allowing access to gaming platforms. This is a legal requirement designed to protect minors.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you experience any of the following, you may be developing a gambling problem:

• Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money you've lost
• Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
• Hiding your gambling activity from family, friends, or partners
• Gambling to escape problems, stress, or difficult emotions
• Neglecting work, study, family, or personal responsibilities due to gambling
• Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
• Experiencing mood swings or irritability when unable to gamble
• Failed attempts to cut down or stop gambling
• Lying about the amount of time or money spent on gambling
• Feeling anxiety or depression related to your gambling habits

If any of these apply to you, please reach out for support immediately.

Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features

Most reputable online poker operators provide the following tools to help you maintain control:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose in a given period
• Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders about how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
• Session Time Limits: Set automatic disconnection after a specified period of play
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from your account
• Account Pause: Take a break from gambling for a set period

Use these tools proactively to maintain healthy gambling habits. Most operators can be contacted to activate these features at any time.

Support Organisations & Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, help is available. The following organisations provide free, confidential support:

Australia

• Gambling Help Online
  www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
  Free online counselling and support service for problem gambling in Australia. Offers chat, email, and phone support.
• Lifeline Australia
  Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7, free call)
  Crisis support and counselling for Australians in distress.

International Resources

• GamCare (United Kingdom)
  www.gamcare.org.uk
  Support for problem gambling across the UK.
• GamStop (United Kingdom)
  www.gamstop.co.uk
  National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling.
• Responsible Gambling Council (Canada)
  www.responsiblegambling.org
  Evidence-based resources and support for problem gambling.
• National Council on Problem Gambling (United States)
  www.ncpgambling.org
  Information and referral service for problem gambling support.

If You Need Help

If you believe you have a gambling problem, please seek help immediately. There is no shame in reaching out—many people have successfully recovered with proper support.

Contact Gambling Help Online today for free, confidential assistance. You can also speak with your GP, a counsellor, or call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Remember: Recovery is possible, and support is available.